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There were some unexpected developments during the recruiting process, but the end result has produced quite an interesting scenario for Josh and Jake Pulver.

The two brothers from upstate New York, who were teammates this past season at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, will soon be college rivals.

The two brothers will also be playing at two of the nation’s top programs.

Josh Pulver, who had been planning on attending SUNY Cortland, is a late addition to Syracuse’s incoming freshman recruiting class.

Jake Pulver, who had been planning on playing at Sacred Heart, is a rising senior who now will be headed to Cornell.

Josh and Jake are both defensemen and 18 months apart in age (with Josh being the oldest). Josh is 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds and Jake is 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds.

It’s been quite a turn of events. So let’s get more from both players.

Josh Pulver

Now, here’s a Q&A with Josh on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
It was my dream to go to Syracuse University and play lacrosse or football there since I was very young.
What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?

I was planning to attend SUNY Cortland and play lacrosse there before this opportunity at Syracuse came up.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?
My strengths are stick skills, footwork, aggressiveness, ground balls, being strong and powerful and very coachable.

I am a physical player who is not afraid of any opponent. I play aggressively, but I remain under control. I try to be in the face of my opponent all game. I will hit my opponent to make them understand that they are in for a long, hard game against me and my teammates.

What area of your game do you need to work on?
I need to work on some of my hits so that I do not draw a penalty. I also want to continue to improve in all areas of the game. I plan to work hard during college to be the best player that I can be.
How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?

Two of my Pop Warner football coaches, Mr. Germain and Mr. Wilcox, asked my parents if I would play on an FM/JD lacrosse team. This was when I was 7 years old and I have been playing lacrosse ever since then.

I have played football, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, and baseball at various times while growing up. However, in high school I concentrated on my two favorites, football and lacrosse.

What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?
I was a member of Team United, which is run by Ric Beardsley and Steve Carcaterra. Unfortunately, I was hurt last summer and was only able to play in one full tournament. However, I am thankful for all of the training I received during my time practicing and playing with Team United.

Any final thoughts?
I’m very pumped and excited. This is my dream.

First, I would like to thank God. Next, my parents and family for supporting me and always being there for me. I would also like to thank all of my lacrosse coaches, football coaches, and teammates throughout the years, as well as all my other supporters.

In addition, I would also like to thank my high school lacrosse coaches, especially Coach Kenneally and his assistant coaches, for all of the time that they invested in teaching lacrosse to me and my teammates.

Finally, I would like to thank the entire SU men’s lacrosse coaching staff for giving me this opportunity to play for them.

Jake Pulver

Now, here’s a Q&A with Jake on his commitment.

What were the main factors in your decision?
I had some great visits at some great schools with great coaches, however when I visited Cornell University and met with (Cornell Head) Coach (Ben) DeLuca and toured the campus everything seemed like a perfect fit: the coach, the academics, the location, the lacrosse program. Everything. Nothing felt out of place. In addition, it has always been my dream to go to Cornell since I was young.

What other schools were you considering and what schools did you visit?A partial list of the other schools that I considered were: Yale, Bryant, Syracuse, Harvard, Brown, Holy Cross and Sacred Heart. I visited all of these schools.

What are your strengths as a player and how would you describe your style of play?One-on-one defense, understanding of the game and leadership.

My style of play is on the ball. I like to be very aggressive and get on the guy’s hands. I also communicate and try to take charge on the field.

What area of your game do you need to work on?I plan to continue improving all parts of my game, especially the development of my weak hand and working on my fastbreak defense.

How did you get introduced to lacrosse and what other sports have you played?
While playing Fayetteville-Manlius Pop Warner football when I was 6 or 7, our friends and coaches (Coach Wilcox and Coach Germain) on the team introduced us (Josh and me) to lacrosse. We began to participate in local youth lacrosse programs. Our team was made up of kids from our Pop Warner football team.

In addition to lacrosse, I play football and run indoor track (competing in the 4×400 and shot put).

Over the years, I have also played basketball, baseball and soccer, and I wrestled for several years.

What travel team do you play on what showcase events did you participate in?Team United under Ric Beardsley and Steve Carcaterra. Showcases I’ve played in are Under Armour Underclass All-America Tournament (2013), Maverick Showtime (2012).

Any final thoughts?The past several months have been incredible. I feel very blessed. First, I got to play lacrosse for F-M with my brother Josh, in his final season as a high school player. Second, I made the Upstate Under Armour Underclass All-American Lacrosse team and got to play lacrosse with some of the best players in the nation.

And lastly, I have met some incredible lacrosse coaches/men during the recruiting process, like Coach DeLuca, Coach Pressler, Coach Rogers, Coach Shay, Coach Wojcik, Coach Tiffany, Coach Morrissey and Coach Mariano, all of whom would be an honor to have as a coach. I am appreciative of the time and opportunity they each gave me.

Finally, I would like to thank my mom, my dad, Coach Beardsley, Coach Kenneally and Coach Tom and Geoff Hall, and all the people who have supported me over the years.

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3 Responses to “Pulver brothers will soon be college rivals at Syracuse, Cornell”

[…] Pulver brothers will soon be college rivals at Syracuse, CornellLaxLessonsThe two brothers from upstate New York, who were teammates this past season at Fayetteville-Manlius High School, will soon be college rivals. The two brothers will also be playing at two of the nation’s … I have played football, lacrosse, basketball … […]